Manchester Super Giants beat Welsh Fire by 9 wickets (with 31 balls remaining) – The Hundred Match Report
Manchester Super Giants won by 9 wickets (with 31 balls remaining) in the 21st match of 34 in The Hundred 2026 at Old Trafford. Jos Buttler produced a devastating 51 off just 20 balls – striking at 255 with 6 sixes – to demolish Welsh Fire‘s chase and secure a statement victory that keeps MSG’s top-four hopes alive.
Welsh Fire’s Batting Blitz Falls Short
Welsh Fire won the toss and elected to bat, but their total of 155 for 4 from 16.4 overs proved insufficient against MSG’s firepower. Philip Salt made 48 off 37 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) to set the tone early, but it was Matthew Short who carried the innings. Short’s 71 off 47 (8 fours, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 151 was the standout display, building crucial partnerships to push Welsh Fire past 150.
Jordan Cox struck 11 off just 6 balls (1 four, 1 six) in a cameo, while Rachin Ravindra finished unbeaten on 14 off 5 (1 four, 1 six) at a strike rate of 280. Gus Atkinson was MSG’s standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 12 runs from 2.3 overs at an economy of 5.22. Josh Tongue claimed 1 for 17 from 3.2 overs, while Paul Walter took 1 for 25 from 2.3.
Buttler’s Explosive Masterclass Seals Victory
MSG’s chase was over almost before it began. Tim Seifert opened with 62 off 36 (10 fours) to provide a solid platform, but the real fireworks came from Buttler at number three. His 51 off 20 – featuring 2 fours and 6 sixes – was a masterclass in controlled aggression, taking MSG from 74 for 1 in the 6th over to 161 for 1 in just 11.3 overs.
Paul Walter contributed 37 off 18 (4 fours, 2 sixes) in a quickfire middle-order cameo, adding 87 runs with Seifert before falling at 74 for 1. Buttler’s arrival proved decisive – he took the attack to Welsh Fire’s bowlers with ruthless efficiency, striking at 255 to seal the contest with 31 balls unused. Chris Woakes was Welsh Fire’s best bowler, taking 1 for 27 from 3.2 overs, but had no support as the rest of the attack leaked runs.
Statz MVP: Jos Buttler (Statz Rating: 102.8)
Jos Buttler claims the Statz MVP award with a rating of 102.8. His 51 off 20 balls at a strike rate of 255 – featuring 6 sixes – was the defining moment of the match. Buttler’s explosive hitting in the chase, combined with the match context and the margin of victory, earned him the highest Statz Rating of the evening. The official Man of the Match was awarded to Tim Seifert.
Top 5 Statz Ratings
- Jos Buttler (MSG) – Statz Rating: 102.8 | 51 off 20 (SR 255, 6 sixes) – Explosive finishing display that sealed the chase with 31 balls remaining.
- Matthew Short (WF) – Statz Rating: 83.05 | 71 off 47 (SR 151, 8 fours, 2 sixes) – Carried Welsh Fire’s innings but lacked support at the death.
- Paul Walter (MSG) – Statz Rating: 82.39 | 37 off 18 (SR 206, 4 fours, 2 sixes) plus 1/25 with the ball – Impactful all-round contribution in a dominant team performance.
- Tim Seifert (MSG) – Statz Rating: 70.54 | 62 off 36 (10 fours) – Solid opening knock that set the platform for Buttler’s assault.
- Gus Atkinson (MSG) – Statz Rating: 65.5 | 2/12 from 2.3 overs (economy 5.22) – Economical and effective with the new ball to restrict Welsh Fire’s total.
Turning Point
The match turned decisively when Jos Buttler arrived at the crease in the 6th over with MSG at 74 for 1. His explosive 51 off 20 balls – striking at 255 with 6 sixes – transformed the chase from competitive to one-sided. Welsh Fire’s bowlers had no answer to his aggression, and by the time he departed unbeaten, the match was effectively over with 31 balls still remaining.
Match Context
This was the 21st match of 34 in The Hundred 2026 regular season. Manchester Super Giants (4th, 3W 3L, 12pts) pick up a crucial home victory to keep their top-four qualification hopes alive, moving level on points with MI London and Sunrisers Leeds. Welsh Fire (2nd, 4W 2L, 16pts) suffer a shock defeat despite a solid batting display, but remain in the top two. Check the full scorecard on Statz for the complete breakdown, or explore the bet builder for more analysis.
